Ahh…… the history of that sexy peach! Peaches begin to arrive on the market shelves the first of July so be ready for this popular fruit! Although its botanical name Prunus persica refers to Persia, genetic studies suggest peaches originated in China, where they have been cultivated since the neolithic period with domestication occurring as early as 6000 BC in Zhejiang Province of China. In 2018, China produced 62% of the world total of peaches and nectarines
The peach was brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and eventually made it to England and France in the 17th century, where it was a prized as an expensive treat. Later, horticulturist George Minifie supposedly brought the first peaches as we known them from England to its North American colonies in the early 17th century, planting them at his estate of Buckland in Virginia.
Cultivated peaches are divided into clingstones and freestones, depending on whether the flesh sticks to the stone or not; both have either white or yellow flesh – with white flesh typically very sweet with little acidity, while yellow-fleshed peaches typically have an acidic tang coupled with sweetness. Low-acid, white-fleshed peaches are the most popular kinds in China, Japan, & neighboring Asian countries, while Europeans & North Americans have historically favored the acidic, yellow-fleshed cultivars. The Guinness world record for the sweetest peach is currently held by a peach grown in Kanechika, Japan, with a sugar content of 22.2%.
Peaches genus Prunus, includes the cherry, apricot, almond & plum in the rose family. The peach is classified with the almond in the subgenus Amygdalus.. Due to their close relatedness to the almond, the kernel of a peach stone tastes remarkably similar to almond, & peach stones are often used to make a cheap version of marzipan, known as persipan. South Carolina named the peach its official fruit in 1984, and the peach became the state fruit of Georgia, nicknamed the “Peach State”, in 1995.
Bliss on the Beach –CB Frost Brandy, Paul Masson peach brandy, cassis, orange & cranberry juice
Peach brandy margarita – Hennessey Black cognac, Cointreau, lime juice, agave
Peach martini – CB Frost Brandy, Paul Masson brandy, Cointreau, lime juice
Sex on the beach – CB Frost Brandy, CB peach brandy, orange & cranberry juice
Peach Cosmopolitan – CB Frost Brandy, Paul Masson peach brandy, cranberry juice
Fruit and/or infused flight – 1/2 price.
Update on our bitters workshop: Now scheduled for Wednesday, July 21 at 5:00 pm. We will have a sign-up sheet at The Brandy Bar or call us at 828-845-0546. Not all the supplies have come in so price remains uncertain but we are trying to keep it at $25 which covers alcohol, canning jars, bottles with droppers, funnels & labels.
We are testing the waters with a re-opening on Wednesdays from 4-9:00 if you want a mid-week cocktail to tide you through.